A study developed by IBSAL, USAL and the TU Delft allows predicting the release of drugs in breast tissue after surgery.
A team of researchers from the Biomedical Applications of Chemical Engineering group, belonging to the Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) and the University of Salamanca (USAL), and the Transport Phenomena group of the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has developed an innovative mathematical model that simulates how drugs are released in breast tissue after cancer surgery. This breakthrough could significantly improve the efficacy of post-surgical treatments and reduce tumor recurrence.
The study, published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciencesproposes the use of a biodegradable hydrogel that is placed in the cavity left by the tumor after surgery. This material releases a drug called MZ1 in a controlled manner by means of small particles known as liposomes. The novelty of this model is that it takes into account key factors such as the absorption of the drug by the cells, lymphatic drainage and even the influence of gravity on its distribution.
To test its effectiveness, the research team used MRI scans of six patients with different types of tumors. They found that the shape of the surgical cavity influences the distribution of the drug, and that a concentration of 0.1 % liposomes in the hydrogel is sufficient to eliminate residual tumor cells, thus reducing the risk of relapse.
“Our model allows us to optimize the dose of drugs administered and to personalize treatment for each patient according to the characteristics of her tumor,” explains Álvaro González Garcinuño, principal investigator of the study. “This approach could represent a breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer, reducing side effects and improving patients’ quality of life.”
This development represents an important step towards the personalization of cancer treatments and paves the way for future clinical trials to validate its application in hospital settings.
Original article
González-Garcinuño Á, Tabernero A, Nieto C, Martín Del Valle E, Kenjeres S. Multiphysics simulation of liposome release from hydrogels for cavity filling following patient-specific breast tumor surgery. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2025 Jan 1;204:106966. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106966. Epub 2024 Nov 19. PMID: 39571629.
